4 Tips to Jump-Start your Savings Plan Whether it’s the struggle of delaying immediate rewards for greater benefit in the future, or an unexpected expense, people looking to build a successful savings habit often run up against very real challenges. To help manage these realities, here are four [...]
Do you remember the first time you used a credit card or who taught you about them? Maybe you had a parent or money mentor who explained best practices or—like one of our recent Real $tories guests—you had to learn things the hard way (like so many of us do.) Credit cards have become an integral [...]
We have been notified of a phishing attempt in which scammers are texting random phone numbers in the Erie area, posing as Widget Financial. There has been no breach of member data. These scammers are simply dialing the Erie area code and telephone exchanges (the first three digits of Erie numbers) followed by a [...]
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) can offer a consistent income stream that is typically higher than Treasury yields and other stock dividends (see chart). A qualified REIT must pay at least 90% of its taxable income each year as shareholder dividends, and unlike many companies, REITs generally do not retain earnings, which is [...]
A legal will describes how you want your material assets to be distributed, but how do you leave behind your values? Using an ethical will, also called a legacy letter, you can tell your personal story and communicate your beliefs and life lessons to your family, friends, or community. You can opt to [...]
Financial worries are often cited as a major source of stress. For example, a 2021 study found that even before the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, a majority of Americans said they felt stressed or anxious about their finances.1 Similarly, in 2022, research revealed that more than seven out of 10 financial planning [...]
Mutual funds pool investment dollars from many individual investors to purchase a group of selected securities aimed at meeting a particular objective. This offers a convenient way to invest across a wide range of market activity that would be difficult for most investors to do by purchasing individual securities. More than 52% of [...]
There's a certain amount of risk that comes with owning a business. Accidents can happen no matter how well a company is run, and a lawsuit could be devastating if the business is found to be at fault. A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure [...]
The mortgage industry has been on a roller coaster ride over the last couple of years. Interest rates for fixed-rate mortgage loans were at historical lows during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, rising to a 20-year high in late 2022 — and fluctuating ever since.1 Many buyers are finding it difficult [...]
Tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans and IRAs are intended to promote long-term retirement savings and thus offer preferential tax treatment in return for a commitment to keep savings in the account until at least age 59½. Withdrawals before that age may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty on [...]
